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CDL Common Questions > 171 General Knowledge Questions > Flashcards

171 General Knowledge Questions Flashcards

1
Q

1 . With a BAC of __, most people lose consciousness, and some die.

A

0.4

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2
Q

To prevent a load from shifting, there should be at least one tie-down for every __ feet of cargo.

A

10

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3
Q

Name two situations in which the legal maximum weights may not be safe to haul

A

During bad weather; in mountains

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4
Q

If you are stopped at a rest area and found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .02, you will be placed out of service for

A

24 hours

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5
Q

The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is about ____ at highway speed.

A

1/4 mile

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6
Q

Inspect your cargo after you have driven

A

25 miles or 50 miles, depending on the law in the state you are in; Again after 3 hours or 150 miles; and after every stop for a break.

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7
Q

Medical certificates must be renewed every

A

2 years

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8
Q

What is the minimum tread depth for tires other than front tires?

A

2/32 inch

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9
Q

Escape ramps are

A

Used to stop runaway vehicles

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10
Q

You are driving a vehicle that can be driven safely at 55 mph on an open road. Although the speed limit
is 55 mph, traffic is heavy, moving at 35 mph. The safest speed for your vehicle in this situation is

A

35 MPH

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11
Q

If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how
many seconds of following distance should you allow?

A

4 seconds

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12
Q

How far ahead should you be looking while driving
in town?

A

1 block

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13
Q

When driving a commercial vehicle with a height over 13 feet, you should

A

Stop and make sure if you aren’t certain that a clearance is high enough

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14
Q

In your mirror, you see a car approaching from the rear. The next time you check your mirror, you don’t
see the car. To change lanes, you should

A

Wait until you are sure the car isn’t in your blind spot

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15
Q

Turn signals should be used

A

At least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes

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16
Q

If you are driving a long distance, you should

A

Stop often and take short breaks before you feel really drowsy or tired

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17
Q

What does «axle weight» mean?

A

The weight transmitted to the ground by once axle or one set of axles

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18
Q

The distance your vehicle travels from the time your eyes see a hazard to the time your brain recognizes it is called

A

Perception distance

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19
Q

Optional safety equipment may include emergency phone numbers, tire chains, and

A

Tire changing equipment

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20
Q

To prevent brake fade, you should

A

Select a gear that will keep your vehicle at a safe speed on steep downgrades

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21
Q

Wheel bearing should be checked for

A

Leaks

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22
Q

One can recognize hazardous materials by looking at the container’s

A

Label

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23
Q

High beams should be

A

Used when it is safe to do so

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24
Q

How do you calculate how many seconds of following distance you have?

A

Wait until the vehicle ahead of you passes a clear landmark. Then count off the seconds until you reach the same spot

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25
Q

How do you test the hydraulic brakes for leaks

A

Pump the brake pedal three times; then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold it for five seconds. The pedal should not move

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26
Q

Name two causes of fires

A

Underinflated tires and duals that touch

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27
Q

What does «communicating» mean in safe driving?

A

Letting other drivers know you’re there to help prevent crashes

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28
Q
  1. What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel?
A

Firmly, with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel

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29
Q
  1. The tendency for long commercial vehicles to swing wide on turns is called
A

Off tracking

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30
Q

30 How does the height of the vehicle’s center of gravity affect safe handling?

A

Trucks with a high center of gravity can roll over at the posted speed limit for a curve

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31
Q
  1. You do not have a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on your commercial driver’s license. You are asked to deliver hazardous materials in a placarded vehicle. You should
A

Refuse to haul the load

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32
Q
  1. The purpose of retarders is to
A

Help slow the vehicle while driving and reduce brake wear

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33
Q
  1. While driving, you see a small (1-foot-square) card- board box ahead in your lane. You should
A

Steer around it without making a sudden or unsafe move

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34
Q
  1. If your vehicle catches fire while you are driving, you should
A

Park in an open area

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35
Q
  1. When should you review the pre-trip inspection report from the last driver?
A

You should review it during your pre-trip inspection

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36
Q

You can see a sign on a vehicle ahead of you. The sign is a red triangle with an orange center. What does the sign tell you about the vehicle?

A

It is a slow moving vehicle

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37
Q

Name some important steering system parts.

A

The rod, spindle, and pitman arm

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38
Q

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the

A

Maximum GVW specified by the manufacture for a single vehicle, including its load

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39
Q

During a pre-trip inspection, you discover an ex- haust leak or power steering leak.You should

A

Report the problem and make arrangements to use another vehicle

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40
Q

The best drivers are those who watch and prepare for hazards. This is called being

A

Defensive

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41
Q

Name some things you should check on the FRONT of your vehicle during your pre-trip inspection.

A

Low beams, high beams, four-way flashers, and turn signals

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42
Q

The most common cause of serious vehicle skids is

A

Driving too fast for road conditions

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43
Q

What is an «escape ramp?»

A

Ramps that are located a few miles from the top of a downgrade to help you stop

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44
Q

A car suddenly cuts in front of you, creating a hazard. What should you NOT do?

A

Honk and stay close behind the car

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45
Q

If you are being tailgated, you should

A

Increase your following distance

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46
Q

What is a hazardous materials placard?

A

A sign placed on the outside of a vehicle that identifies the hazard class of the cargo

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47
Q

What is the most important hand signal that you and your backing helper should agree on?

A

Stop

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48
Q

What is the definition of «sleep debt?»

A

The cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep

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49
Q

It is important to shift gears correctly to keep

A

Control of the vehicle

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50
Q

The reaction distance is the distance traveled from the time

A

The brain tells the foot to push the brake pedal to the time the foot actually pushed the pedal

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51
Q

Bridge formulas permit

A

Less maximum axle weight for axles that are close together

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52
Q

The purpose of a baffle is to

A

Control the load surface

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53
Q

A vehicle is loaded with most of the weight on the steering
axle. What may result?

A

Hard steering and possible damage to the tires

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54
Q

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is

A

The total weight of a single vehicle, including its load

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55
Q

You are starting your vehicle from a stop. As you apply power to the drive wheels, they start to spin. You should

A

Take your foot off the accelerator

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56
Q

For an average commercial vehicle being driven at 55 mph on dry pavement, it will take about bring the vehicle to a stop.

A

The length of a football field (300 feet)

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57
Q

Tie-downs must be of the proper type and strength. The combined strength of the cargo tie- downs must be enough to lift

A

One and one-half times the weight of the cargo being tied down

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58
Q

You are driving a heavy vehicle and must exit a highway using an off ramp that curves downhill. You should

A

Slow down to a safe speed before taking the curve

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59
Q

What three thing related to cargo are the driver’s responsibility?

A

Inspecting the cargo, recognizing overloads, and properly securing the cargo

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60
Q

When should you downshift an automatic transmission?

A

When going down grades

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61
Q

When should you wear seat belts?

A

Anytime you are in a moving vehicle

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62
Q

What effects can wet brakes cause?

A

Brakes can gab or become weak

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63
Q

You should try to park your vehicle so that

A

You can pull forward when you leave

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64
Q

Cargo that can shift should have at least ___tie- downs.

A

Two

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65
Q

Containerized loads

A

Are typically use for freight carried partway by rail or ship

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66
Q

Converter dollies built on or after March 1, 1998 are required to have anti-lock brakes. These dollies will have

A

A yellow malfunction lamp on the left side of the dolly

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67
Q

How many red reflective triangles should you carry?

A

Three

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68
Q

It takes the body about ___ hours to get rid of the alcohol in four drinks

A

Four

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69
Q

How does «bleeding tar» affect the road surface and driving conditions?

A

Tar rises to the road surface in very hot weather, causing the roads to become very slippery

70
Q

Can federal inspectors inspect your truck or bus?

A

Yes, and they can place it out of service

71
Q

How far ahead should you look?

A

12-15 seconds

72
Q

You should have a minimum of ___ tread on your steering tires.

A

4/32 inch

73
Q

You are driving a 40-foot vehicle at 35 mph .The road is dry and visibility is good. What is the least amount of space you should keep in front of your vehicle to be safe?

A

4 seconds

74
Q

You do not have a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on your commercial driver’s license. You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous materials when

A

The vehicle does not require placards

75
Q

How can you avoid wet brake problems?

A

Slow down, shift to a low gear, and gently apply the brakes

76
Q

On a two-way, two-lane road , if you must stop on a hill, how far back should you place your reflective triangles?

A

Within 500 feet behind the vehicle

77
Q

Where or when should you test the stopping action of your service brakes?

A

When the vehicle is moving at about 5 mph

78
Q

Some liquid tanks are divided into several smaller tanks by

A

Bulkheads

79
Q

Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?

A

You will not be able to shift into a lower gear once you are going down a hill

80
Q

The total weight of the powered unit, the trailer, and the cargo is called

A

Gross combination weight

81
Q

To avoid a crash, you had to drive onto the right shoulder. You are now driving at 40 mph on the
shoulder. How should you move back onto the pavement?

A

If possible, come to a complete stop before steering back onto the pavement

82
Q

When approaching a traffic light that has been green for a long time, you should

A

Start to slow down so you will be ready to stop

83
Q

For your safety, when setting out reflective triangles, you should

A

Hold the triangles between yourself and oncoming traffic

84
Q

If you have been drinking alcohol, before you drive, you should

A

Wait for it to wear off

85
Q

You must park on the side of a level, straight, two-lane road. Where should you place the reflective triangles?

A

One within 10 feet of the rear of the vehicle, one about 100 feet to the rear, and one about 100 feet in front of the vehicle

86
Q

If you don’t have a CB radio, what is the first thing you should do at an accident scene?

A

Protect the accident scene

87
Q

What is your most valuable way to see the sides and rear while driving?

A

Check your mirrors regularly

88
Q

Implied consent meant that when you sign the driver’s license application form, you

A

Consent to be tested for alcohol in your blood

89
Q

If a straight vehicle (no trailer or articulation) goes into a front wheel skid, it will

A

Go straight ahead even in the steering wheel is turned

90
Q

You should back and turn toward the driver’s side

A

So you can watch the rear of the vehicle by looking out the side window

91
Q

Stab braking

A

Involves releasing the brakes only after the wheels lock up

92
Q

The oil pressure gauge should come up to normal within how long after starting the engine?

A

Seconds

93
Q

When backing, why is it important to have a helper?

A

There are blind spots you can’t see

94
Q

The «load» means

A

The maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure

95
Q

When inspecting mirrors and windshields for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, and other obstructions to your vision, you should

A

Clean and adjust as necessary

96
Q

You are driving a new truck with a manual trans- mission. To take a long, steep downhill grade,

A

Use a lower gear that you would use to climb the hill

97
Q

Truck escape ramps

A

Are designed to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers

98
Q

What should you do if you get stuck on the rail road tracks?

A

Get out of your vehicle and away from the tracks

99
Q

What items should be checked for safety on the steering column?

A

Steering arms. Arms should not be missing any nuts, bolts, or cotter keys

100
Q

If the vehicle in front of you is smaller than yours, it can probably

A

Stop faster than you

101
Q

You should use a helper to help back your vehicle

A

When possible

102
Q

If you need to leave the road in a traffic emergency, you should

A

Avoid braking until your speed has decreased to about 20 mph

103
Q

Before transporting a sealed load, you must check that

A

The load is properly secured

104
Q

As your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises, what happens?

A

Judgment and self control are affected

105
Q

According to the driver’s manual, why should you limit the use of your horn?

A

It can startle other drivers

106
Q

Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?

A

To protect yourself and others

107
Q

Every time you park your vehicle and shut the engine off, you should

A

Apply the parking brake

108
Q

What is hydroplaning?

A

When the tires lose their contact with the road

109
Q

What is the minimum length for mud flaps?

A

Within 8 inches of the surface of the road

110
Q

What is the new blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for commercial drivers to be considered intoxicated when driving a commercial vehicle?

A

0.04

111
Q

At night, when a vehicle is carrying a load that extends four feet or more beyond the rear of the body, there must be ___ at the extreme end of the load.

A

2 red lights

112
Q

You are driving a 40-foot vehicle at 50 mph. Driving conditions are ideal (dry pavement, good visibility). What is the least amount of space that you should keep in front of your vehicle to be safe?

A

5 seconds

113
Q

When driving at night, use your low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within

A

500 feet

114
Q

What is black ice?

A

A thin layer of ice clear enough that you can see the road underneath it

115
Q

To prevent skidding, you should

A

Adjust to conditions while driving

116
Q

When you check the condition of visible parts during your pre-trip inspection, make sure that the
____ are secured against snagging, rubbing, or wearing.

A

Air lines and electrical wiring

117
Q

If you are convicted for driving under the influence (DUI) while driving a commercial vehicle, and
this is your first offense, you will most likely get

A

At least a one year suspension of your CDL

118
Q

Stab braking should not be used on vehicles with

A

Anti-lock brakes

119
Q

Dry bulk tanks and hanging meat

A

Are unstable loads.

120
Q

When a doctor prescribes medication for you and you know you will be driving, you should

A

Ask the doctor if the medication will affect your ability to drive

121
Q

When looking ahead of your vehicle while you are driving, you should look

A

Back and forth, near and far

122
Q

A key principle to remember about loading cargo is to keep the load

A

Balanced in the cargo area

123
Q

What is an advantage of going right instead of left around an obstacle?

A

If you are blocked on both sides, a move to the right won’t force another vehicle into an opposing traffic lane and a possible head-on collision

124
Q

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is calculated by measuring a person’s

A

Body weight

125
Q

Hydroplaning

A

Is more likely when the pressure is low

126
Q

Brake fade

A

Can be caused by the brakes becoming too hot

127
Q

Retarders

A

Can cause the drive wheels to skid when they have poor traction

128
Q

To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, you should

A

Countersteer

129
Q

When you take a break in the middle of your trip you should check

A

Critical items such as tires, brakes, and cargo tie-downs

130
Q

Your truck has a dual air system, and one of the systems loses its pressure. What will happen?

A

Either the front or rear brakes will not be fully operational

131
Q

You should schedule your driving

A

For the hours you are normally awake

132
Q

If you go twice as fast, your stopping distance will increase by

A

Four times

133
Q

What is the first thing you should try to do if your brakes fail while driving downhill?

A

Get off the road as soon as possible

134
Q

What should you do before driving if you are sleepy?

A

Get some sleep

135
Q

What should the wheel bearing seals be checked for?

A

The hub oil level and possible leaks

136
Q

Controlled braking

A

Is used to keep a vehicle in a straight line when braking

137
Q

Is it legal to drive with one-fourth of a vehicle’s leaf springs broken or missing?

A

No

138
Q

How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a single railroad track? A double railroad track?

A

It takes 14 seconds to clear a single track and more than 15 seconds to clear a double track

139
Q

What should you do if a car coming toward you at night keeps its high beams on?

A

Look toward the right edge of your lane or the right edge of the road

140
Q

When you are passing another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, you should assume that they

A

May move into your traffic lane

141
Q

How can you test the parking brake?

A

Set the parking brake, try to move slowly

142
Q

You are driving on a straight, level highway at 50 mph. There are no vehicles in front of you. Suddenly a tire blows out. What should you do first?

A

Stay off the brakes until the vehicle slows down on its own

143
Q

The braking effect of the engine is ____ the governed rpm and the transmission is in the __ gears.

A

Near; lower

144
Q

When driving in cold weather conditions, your tires should

A

Provide enough traction to steer and push the vehicle through snow

145
Q

You must park on the side of a level, straight, four- lane, divided highway. Where should you place the three reflective triangles?

A

One within 10 feet of the rear of the vehicle, one about 100 feet to the rear, and one about 200 feet to the rear

146
Q

To avoid rollbacks when you start, you should

A

Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake

147
Q

What is a «pull-up?»

A

Pulling forward while backing a trailer to reposition it

148
Q

What three things add up to total stopping distance for your truck or bus?

A

Perception distance, reaction distance, braking distance

149
Q

What should you do if your vehicle hydroplanes?

A

Release the accelerator

150
Q

If you have a heavy load that is slowing you down on an upgrade, you should

A

Shift into a lower gear

151
Q

Convex curved mirrors

A

Show a wide area than flat mirrors

152
Q

If required, a driver’s trip log

A

Must be shown immediately when an officer requests it

153
Q

How do you correct a rear-wheel acceleration skid?

A

Stop accelerating

154
Q

While driving, ice builds up on your wipers and they no longer clean the windshield. You should

A

Stop safely and fix the problem

155
Q

To help you stay alert while driving, you should

A

Take short breaks before getting too drowsy

156
Q

If your brakes get wet while driving on a rainy day, what can happen when you apply the brakes?

A

Traile jackknifing

157
Q

What are two ways to know when to shift?

A

Use engine speed (RPM) and road speed (MPH)

158
Q

When driving through roadway work zones, you should

A

Watch for sharp pavement drop-offs

159
Q

When roads are slippery, you should

A

Make turns as carefully as possible

160
Q

Why are placards used?

A

To communicate the risk

161
Q

What factors determine your choice of safe speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?

A

Total weight of the vehicle, length of the grade, steepness, road conditions, and weather

162
Q

What are the two main things to look for ahead?

A

Traffic and road conditions

163
Q

What things should you check during a trip?

A

Watch gauges and mirrors and use your senses to check for problems: look, listen, and smell

164
Q

What is countersteering?

A

Turning the wheel back in the other direction after steering to avoid a traffic emergency

165
Q

What are two ways to know when to shift?

A

Use engine speed (RPM) and road speed (MPH)

166
Q

What should you do if you see a hazard in the roadway?

A

Use you four-way flashers or brake lights to warn others

167
Q

Blocking the cargo to keep it from sliding must be done

A

At the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo

168
Q

When driving in an area with few streetlights on a clear night, if you cannot see well with your head- lights, you should

A

Use your high beams when legal and keep your interior lights off

169
Q

While driving, you should use your mirrors to check

A

Whee the rear of your vehicle is while you make turns

170
Q

What is the most important reason for being alert to hazards?

A

You will have time to plan your escape if the hazard becomes an emergency

171
Q

Name some suspension system defects.

A

A cracked or broken spring hanger, broken leaves in a leaf spring, leaking shock absorbers

CDL Common Questions (2 decks)

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